Kathy R. Dawson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Appointed Chief Nursing Officer / Vice President of Patient Care Services at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center

Kathy Dawson

LAGUNA HILLS, CA (July 6, 2009) – Saddleback Memorial Medical Center has named Kathy Dawson as the new Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Patient Care Services effective immediately. She will be responsible for overseeing the nursing practice and clinical services in support of patient and family care at the medical center.

Dawson joins Saddleback Memorial with more than 30 years of progressive administrative, clinical, and teaching experience in both acute inpatient and academic settings.

“We look forward to having Kathy as a key member of our leadership team,” says LaDonna Butler, RN, Chief Operating Officer, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. “Her extensive experience and expertise has prepared her for this important role as we continue to fulfill our mission of providing quality care to the communities we serve.”

Dawson is Board Certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive and is currently serving as the President of the Association of California Nurse Leaders and is on the Board of Directors of the California Hospital Association. She previously served on the Board of Directors for The Hospital Association Southern California Nurse Leadership Council.

An adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Nursing Administration program at San Diego State University, Dawson received her both her Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University as well as a second Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Chapman College.

Dawson previously served as the Acting Chief Nurse Executive at Tri-City Medical Center and VP of Nursing at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and CNO/VP of Patient Care Services at Citrus Valley Medical Center in West Covina. She resides in Oceanside where she lives with her husband, Thomas Dawson.